Worked one year as Municipal Bond Buyer in 1946-47. Attended George Washington University Law School at night while stationed in the Pentagon (1960-64). Transferred to California while still in USAF and took California Bar Exam. On January 31, 1966, I retired from USAF and next day became Deputy District Attorney, Santa Barbara, CA. Nine months later, the District Attorney was about to retire, so I left the District Attorney's office and practiced law, as sole practitioner, in a Santa Barbara suburb (Carpinteria) for three year's General Practice. Then moved to Santa Barbara and formed partnership with two others. In 1967 I became a part-time Municipal Court Judge (called a "Justice Court Judge" in California) and in January 1982 became Municipal Court Judge, from which I retired October 31, 1986, with 19 years as a trial court judge. Since then I've smelled the roses!

Being part of the 58th Bomb Wing gave young Americans a chance to enjoy serving their country because its young, bright, resourceful leaders looked after our welfare while keeping us busy. February 8, 1942, the Japanese shot down my next older brother's B-17 crew and machine-gunned any who managed to bail out, and I joined the 58th Bomb Wing with a score to settle. Being part of the 58th Bomb Wing was an opportunity because we operated the biggest, most effective bomber then existing, which enabled us to do the enemy the greatest possible harm. Thanks to our leadership it proved to be a most satisfying experience. As General LeMay said before the 58th moved from India to the Marianas Islands, "Wait until the 58th gets here."

Comments:

It was very satisfying to go war with volunteers in an airplane expected to do great harm to the enemy. Even if there was risk, 58th Wing had exceptional leaders who made the most of those they led with whatever equipment was provided. This was the most satisfying experience of my life because, more than any other country or people, America represents that which is good, just, and right.